Even as lead dwindles, GM Brian Cashman says there's 'no panic' with Yankees

William Perlman/The Star-LedgerYankees GM Brian Cashman has watched his team's division lead go from 10 games to just two at the start of play on Saturday afternoon.

NEW YORK -- The Yankees have dropped seven of their last 10 games. And to begin perhaps their most critical stretch of the season, they looked flat in last night's 6-1 loss to the surging Orioles, who lurk just two games back in the AL East.

Yet, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman chose reassuring words to describe the state of his team before today's game against the Orioles.

"No, no panic," he said. "No, I'm glad we're two games up."

Since taking a 10-game, the Yankees have steadily watched their advantage dwindle down to just two.

Said Cashman: "Worry's not the right word at all."

A few more notes:

-- Andy Pettitte reported no issues a day after throwing off a pitcher's mound for the first time since suffering a fractured ankle. Manager Joe Girardi said Pettitte's next step will be throwing a full bullpen session.

"It shouldn't be long though," said Girardi, who couldn't offer a specific timetable.

-- Alex Rodriguez will play third base in his second minor-league rehab game with Class-A Tampa. He will likely DH in the minors on Sunday. If all goes well, he could rejoin the Yankees in St. Petersburg, Fla. on Monday, just in time for a critical three-game set against the Rays.